No need to order takeout when it’s easier — and cheaper — to make your own. Thinking Thai? Try my take on Curry Mee. Translation? Asian comfort food in a bowl. My recipe for coconut chicken noodle soup spiced with curry will soothe your Thai cravings — and you’ll have dinner ready in less time than it takes to wait for the doorbell to ring. Mexican sound good tonight? My spicy chipotle shrimp with arroz verde is so good you may never dream of ordering in again.

When it comes to grilling standbys, burgers, barbecue and hot dogs often claim the spotlight — and for good reason, of course. But in addition to these meaty mainstays, seafood shines when grilled. Firm, flaky fish like swordfish and salmon stand up to the flames well, while clams, mussels and shrimp benefit from the smoky, charred flavor the grill offers. Grilled shrimp are not only a versatile seafood pick, but they’re also quick to make in a hurry and are easy to prepare in bulk, so they’re a go-to option for effortless summer entertaining. Read on below for Food Network’s top-five grilled shrimp recipes to find must-try ideas from Rachael, Bobby, the Neelys and more chefs.

4. Grilled Shrimp Pizza — Save time in the kitchen by starting with a prepared dough to make this fuss-free pizza, topped with sweet grilled onions and shrimp. Add seasonal cherry tomatoes and tangy feta in the last few minutes of cooking, and let the heat of the grill slowly warm and melt them.

While shrimp cocktail may be the centerpiece on appetizer tables everywhere, there are indeed more ways to prepare these two-bite beauties than simply boiling them and serving them with cocktail sauce. For something a bit more dressed up but still deliciously easy to prepare, look to shrimp scampi, a quick-fix classic that pairs garlic, lemon and often a splash of white wine with the tender shellfish. Most traditional scampi recipes call for relatively petite shrimp, but even the larger varieties don’t take more than a few minutes to cook, so it’s a must-try preparation when you’re pressed for time in the kitchen. Check out Food Network’s top-five shrimp scampi recipes below to find tried-and-true as well as creative takes on this favorite dish from Giada, Bobby, Ina and more Food Network chefs.

5. Lemony Shrimp Scampi with Orzo and Arugula — Giada sears the shrimp with shallots for mild flavor, then mixes them with peppery arugula, orzo pasta and a simple lemon vinaigrette for refreshing, vibrant results.

You don’t have to sacrifice flavor to start your new year’s goals of eating healthier. This week’s Most Popular Pin of the Week, Food Network Magazine‘s Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Grits, eliminates the sticks of butter you would normally find in this comfort food. Don’t worry about flavor, though; these shrimp are plenty zesty from the lemon and garlic.

Mardi Gras is the perfect excuse for a party, and not just any party — a New Orleans-themed party. I don’t know if you’ve been to New Orleans (NOLA for short), but let me tell you this: Those people know how to party. I was there last year for a quick week and even this California girl had a hard time keeping up with the nightlife. That aside, you can’t forget the amazing Cajun and Creole food on every corner and the unforgettable cocktail scene with live music that pours into the streets at night. If you can’t head down south for Mardi Gras this year, re-create a NOLA-inspired appetizer for Fat Tuesday.

And who better to take inspiration from than the king of NOLA himself, Emeril.

This Mardi Gras Jambalaya from Emeril is one of my all-time favorites. I’ll make this for a big dinner party any day, but I wanted to turn it into an appetizer so it would be easy to eat — people can grab a bite and run back to the dance floor.

Ina’s Lemon Pasta With Roasted Shrimp is one of the most elegant-looking dishes you’ll ever make, and it’s also one of the easiest, on the table in just 30 minutes. While you’re waiting for the water to boil, toss shrimp in a good olive oil, season with salt and black pepper and roast them until they’re pink. When the angel hair pasta is cooked to al dente, quickly toss it with butter, lemon zest, olive oil and the shrimp.

Editor’s Note: While some people leave shrimp tails on, guests will be grateful if you do the work ahead of time, keeping their hands clean.

Celebrate the fresh, boiled, steamed and grilled flavors of a traditional lobster bake this summer. Our overflowing menu below boasts classic ingredients, favorite recipes and the ease and simplicity of at-home, on-the-stove cooking. No need to live near the beach or build a giant rock pit in the sand in order to try these East Coast tastes; all of the recipes can be made right in your kitchen. Don’t forget to stock up on hand wipes and lobster bibs!

No summer celebration can begin without a glass of sweet chilled lemonade. Michael Chiarello’s recipe for Muddled Lemonberryade from Cooking Channel combines tart lemon juice and sweet strawberries. By the way, there would be nothing wrong with adding a few splashes of vodka to make this an adults-only sipper. After all, you have a lot of lobster-baking ahead of you.

If you want to start with an appetizer before the main event, serve your guests a platter of Emeril’s Grilled Whole Shrimp With Lemon and Marjoram from Cooking Channel while you’re preparing everything else. The subtle citrus flavor complements the mild essence of marjoram, and the heat of the grill melds these tastes perfectly. Don’t have access to a gas or charcoal grill? A stove-top grill pan will do the job, too. If you’re planning to serve the shrimp along with the rest of your meal, add these to the grill at the last possible minute, as shrimp can quickly become chewy if overcooked.

Hi readers! Welcome to my inaugural Food & Finance post. While the mere arrival of the New Year is cause for happiness, the current economic situation is not. Since my role at Food Network is to save the company money, I wanted to share some handy tips on reducing your food bill. Get money-saving tips here.